Stabenow Reiterates Importance of New Farm Bill

Senate Ag Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow held a hearing on the economics of disasters for U.S. ag producers yesterday (Thursday).

Stabenow says last year's historic drought has taken a devastating toll on American agriculture - which led her to push again for passage of critical disaster assistance provisions and a new five-year farm bill.

The drought not only devastated crops - but also hurt livestock producers. Thanks to the successful crop insurance program - Stabenow says many farmers will be able to recover from their losses.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Chief Economist Joe Glauber testified while the crop insurance program operated as intended - the lack of assistance for ranchers and specialty crop producers has been devastating.

Stabenow says Congress needs to give producers the tools to manage the risk from weather events - giving them certainty so they can make plans for their businesses. She says it's critical for Congress to pass a five-year farm bill.

One of the four ag producers invited to testify at the hearing was Ben Steffen, a dairy farmer from Humboldt, NE.

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